Zambian soldiers kill 10 Angolans

Posted: Saturday, November 24, 2001

LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) - Zambian soldiers killed ten Angolan soldiers while patrolling their country's western border, a newspaper reported Friday, raising tension between the two southern African countries. Zambian President Frederick Chiluba said he was informed of the Angolan casualties on Wednesday - the same day he received an official Angolan apology for the killing of seven Zambians two weeks ago.

The seven Zambians were killed two weeks ago when Angolan soldiers, in pursuit of UNITA rebels - who have been fighting the Angolan government for years - crossed into western Zambia.

An envoy of Angolan President Eduardo dos Santos apologized for the killings Wednesday but did not take responsibility on behalf of his country.

Chiluba expressed regret that such incidences were taking place while Angola and Zambia were trying to improve their relations and called for closer collaboration to avoid further misunderstandings.

"Let us show the community that there is no war between us," Chiluba said.

Relations between Zambia and Angola soured last year when Angolan officials accused Zambia of supporting the UNITA rebel movement. However, their ties improved after the two countries began discussing mutual security concerns.